Before you start
Meet ablaufen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
ab- + laufen
- ab-
- away or off, suggesting something reaching its end
- laufen
- to run
Time or a process runs its course and comes to an end.
So ablaufen means to expire, run out, or take place.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Separable verb: ab·laufen
In a main clause the prefix ab splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseDer Kurs läuft um sechs ab.The course ends at six.
Subordinate clauseIch weiß, dass der Kurs um sechs abläuft.I know that the course ends at six.
Participle: abgelaufenzu-infinitive: abzulaufen
Forms
How ablaufen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | laufe ab | lief ab |
| du | läufst ab | liefst ab |
| er/sie/es | läuft ab | lief ab |
| wir | laufen ab | liefen ab |
| ihr | lauft ab | lieft ab |
| Sie | laufen ab | liefen ab |
Partizip II abgelaufen · Perfekt with sein
Three examples
- 1Mein Pass läuft nächste Woche ab.My passport expires next week.present tense, expiry
- 2Die Feier ist ruhig abgelaufen.The party went smoothly.Perfekt with sein
- 3Sie erklärt, wie der Tag abläuft.She explains how the day goes.verb at the end
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
ablaufen + der Pass
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use der Pass as the subject.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The milkdie Milch has expired, so we can't drinktrinken it.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When my ticketdas Ticket expired, I boughtkaufen a new one.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I can't travelreisen because my passportder Pass expires tomorrow.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The carddie Karte that expired yesterday was in my bagdie Tasche.
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Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
You must checkprüfen when your ticketdas Ticket expires.
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Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He forgotvergessen to checkprüfen when his ticketdas Ticket expires.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
How would the partydie Party go if it rainedregnen?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
ablaufen + der Tag + dass
Your challenge
- 1Use der Tag as the subject of a dass-clause.
- 2Use the present tense and put the verb at the clause's end.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
How does your usual morning go?
Your challenge
- 1Answer in one sentence using the present tense.
- 2Describe how your morning goes.